Abstract
Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) represent a large proportion of nosocomial infections. Hence, catheters should be inserted only when indicated and plans should be made to remove them as soon as possible. This will reduce the incidence of CAUTIs, lead to a better patient experience and reduce overall NHS burden. The aim of this audit is to identify whether the catheter care bundle is being filled as per NICE guidance.
This is a prospective audit involving 50 patients from the geriatrics ward who were catheterised from November to December 2021. We analysed the documentation of the rationale of catheterisation, whether regular reviews of the need for catheterisation were done and the quality of documentation on removal of catheter.
The audit showed that only 9 out of 50 patients had daily reviews done and documented. The decision to remove catheter in 40% of the patients with successful removal of catheter was only done on an average 1 to 3 days prior to discharge. 40% of the sample size was treated for CAUTI. A prolonged length of catheterisation was identified in majority of these patients, when in fact trial without catheter could have been attempted much earlier if there was a robust system to ensure daily reviews for the need for catheter are performed.
The results of this audit were presented in a departmental meeting and staff training on catheter care was held. A recommendation was made to the local Continence Working Group to modify the catheter care bundle to improve adherence.